The main problem is a mechanic who would call FSDO in the first place.
This guy is just shirking his very well laid out responsibilities. If
you read the manual that the mechanic goes by you can see why the FAA
guys make life hard. The very fact that you called means that your
install is much more than a minor alteration.

I don't blame the avionics tech (not an A&P) for calling the FSDO. The
AirGizmo is in one of those famous regulatory "gray areas" that can
drive everyone nuts, both inside and outside the FAA.

*I* think it's obviously a minor alteration, but (in fairness to those
who think otherwise) the unit DOES occupy an avionics bay, and it does
require wiring that leads to (and through) the back of the AirGizmo
unit.

The only way this really differs from a standard avionics installation
is that the 496 is designed as a "portable" unit, and the AirGizmo
allows it to be removed from the panel without tools -- a fine line,
indeed.

Thus, the call to (and blessings from) the FSDO.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"